There are two video resources representing Zoot Suit. You are required to see the documentary The Zoot Suit Riots and either the DVD film of a professional production located in the UGA video library in the basement of the main library or the Monterey High School amateur stage version. Viewer’s Guides for these two are provided below:
1. A nearly two hour stage version of the play by Luis Valdez was produced by The Monterey High School. The video was uploaded on Jan 7, 2012 by Monterey High Drama.
It is described as “The Forest Theater Guild's All-Star Student Production of "Zoot Suit", directed by Larry Welch, Summer 2008.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQEmR2ey_5Q
Note the difficulty of creating an effective recording of a live stage version. Like so many such recordings of stage plays and musicals this one distances the video audience from the players to an extent that makes it difficult to always hear and see the performers properly. The camera work is not professional and, on reflection, it was probably meant to document the show for the students and their families. However, it does expose you to strong young talent and effective staging on a large stage. The sets and lights are effective, even if we do not always see them clearly. Audience reaction may also be heard and seems to exert a positive influence on the performers.
2. The nearly two hour DVD (located in the video library at UGA’s main library basement) of the film version of a stage production directed by Luis Valdez, the playwright, demonstrates the slickness that is possible when budgets are large and professional equipment and personnel are used to record professional performers. Note the historic authenticity of the costumes, makeup, and hair styles, as well as the properties, such as period automobiles, cameras, and settings. Effective lighting and camera work also add to the effectiveness of this version of the play. Music, singing, and dancing are assists to enliven the DVD.
What the director seems to have intended was to position us as viewers, viewing a theatre audience viewing the staging of a production. This unique perspective helps us to explore and consider the significance of spectatorship. Since the trial of those accused of murder occupies a large part of the action, it furthers our participation of the events, particularly when it is obvious that the accused are obviously innocent and have been falsely accused.
Also note how lighting color, angle, and intensity and camera angles help to accent emotion changed dramatic action.
Viewer’s Guide to Zoot Suit
There are two video resources representing Zoot Suit. You are required to see the documentary The Zoot Suit Riots and either the DVD film of a professional production located in the UGA video library in the basement of the main library or the Monterey High School amateur stage version. Viewer’s Guides for these two are provided below:
1. A nearly two hour stage version of the play by Luis Valdez was produced by The Monterey High School. The video was uploaded on Jan 7, 2012 by Monterey High Drama.
It is described as “The Forest Theater Guild's All-Star Student Production of "Zoot Suit", directed by Larry Welch, Summer 2008.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQEmR2ey_5Q
Note the difficulty of creating an effective recording of a live stage version. Like so many such recordings of stage plays and musicals this one distances the video audience from the players to an extent that makes it difficult to always hear and see the performers properly. The camera work is not professional and, on reflection, it was probably meant to document the show for the students and their families. However, it does expose you to strong young talent and effective staging on a large stage. The sets and lights are effective, even if we do not always see them clearly. Audience reaction may also be heard and seems to exert a positive influence on the performers.
2. The nearly two hour DVD (located in the video library at UGA’s main library basement) of the film version of a stage production directed by Luis Valdez, the playwright, demonstrates the slickness that is possible when budgets are large and professional equipment and personnel are used to record professional performers. Note the historic authenticity of the costumes, makeup, and hair styles, as well as the properties, such as period automobiles, cameras, and settings. Effective lighting and camera work also add to the effectiveness of this version of the play. Music, singing, and dancing are assists to enliven the DVD.
What the director seems to have intended was to position us as viewers, viewing a theatre audience viewing the staging of a production. This unique perspective helps us to explore and consider the significance of spectatorship. Since the trial of those accused of murder occupies a large part of the action, it furthers our participation of the events, particularly when it is obvious that the accused are obviously innocent and have been falsely accused.
Also note how lighting color, angle, and intensity and camera angles help to accent emotion changed dramatic action.